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Discover CALS

See how our current work and research is bringing new thinking and new solutions to some of today's biggest challenges.

Putting our knowledge to work to serve a public purpose

Extension, outreach, engagement — putting knowledge and research to work for local, national and global communities has always been a primary purpose of the college.

Cornell University created its first agricultural extension program in 1894, which is distinguished as the nation’s longest continuously operating extension program. Our faculty and staff are important innovators in agricultural, environmental and social extension work.

A commitment to extend knowledge beyond the university is an integral part of the CALS culture and mission. Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE)  is a formal organization with offices on the Cornell campus and across New York state and New York City. Regional agricultural teams effectively bridge researchers on our campus with educators in our communities.

In addition to the Cornell researchers who regularly work with county CCE staffers, we have more than 200 CALS faculty and staff who also conduct extension education programs with targeted audiences in a variety of other ways, including through community outreach, online courses, short courses, field days, public school events and more.

The breadth and depth of our extension/outreach activities demonstrate a deep CALS commitment to a broad educational mission that links campus and public life. Whether on campus or off, we translate Cornell University’s world-class research into real-world practice that helps New York state residents, businesses and communities to thrive.

Find an extension program

From around the corner to the Cornell campus, we have local offices and programs ready to support you.

Regional Ag Team helps with hoof trimming at farm

CCE’s regional agriculture teams provide research-based information, programs and technical assistance to dairy, field crops, vegetable, tree fruit and grape producers all around New York state.

students learning about beekeeping

Supported by federal, state and county funding, CCE links the research and extension efforts at Cornell to New York’s 62 counties and all NYC boroughs.

Farmers visiting Aurora, NY, research farm

Cornell CALS extension and outreach personnel intersect with stakeholders at field days, workshops and a wide variety of other engagements.

Cornell Cooperative Extension

Ripple effect: Cornell helps restore Long Island's shellfish

CALS Extension & Outreach

Cornell Farm Ops sets up NYS veterans for success

shellfish
Logan Yarbrough, veteran

Did you know?

Two women visiting the home of a elderly homeowner

Cornell is the only Ivy League university with a statewide Cooperative Extension system

800K

people were directly reached by CCE programming in 2020, through online events and on-demand learning.

13K

CCE volunteers were active in all program areas in 2020, extending the reach of staff in NYS communities.

Outreach and extension stories

See how our work is making a tangible difference in our communities.

Poinsettias in full bloom at Emma's Garden Growers, a Long Island plant wholesaler whose owners have been relying on Cornell's services for generations.

News

From root rot and powdery mildew to white flies and Lewis mites, the threats to poinsettias abound - NYS growers persevere with the support and expertise of Cornell faculty and staff.

  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
  • School of Integrative Plant Science
  • Horticulture Section
David Kay in his office on campus at Cornell University

Multimedia

News

In a rapidly evolving world, strengthening connections between the work done in Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) program areas across the state and the related research conducted at Cornell University has never been more crucial. This episode...
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
  • Department of Global Development